Jobs & employment blogs

Let’s be honest — when was the last time you truly reflected on your career? Not just your job title, but your growth, your purpose, and where you’re heading. If you’ve been coasting, this mid-year moment might be exactly what you need to get back in the driver’s seat.

In Thailand’s rapidly evolving job market, it’s easy to fall into autopilot. But with rising expectations around professional development, career progression, and long-term growth, now’s the time to recalibrate your journey.

1. Audit your current trajectory

Are you still learning? Are you doing work that energises you? Or has routine taken over growth? A career progression check-in isn’t about changing everything — it’s about making sure your current path is still aligned with your career aspirations.

• Tip: Write down what success means to you now. Then compare it with your current day-to-day — are they aligned?
• Ask yourself: What have I learned in the last six months? If the answer is "not much", it’s time to revisit your career development plan.

2. Set one long-term career goal (and 3 short-term actions)

Having clear long-term career goals helps reframe your daily tasks with purpose. Break that big vision into manageable, motivating actions.

• Example: Want to step into a team lead role next year? Your short-term steps could include leading a small project, mentoring a junior, or attending a leadership course.

3. Upgrade your leadership and management skills

Whether or not you manage a team, effective leadership and management skills worth growing. From communication to problem-solving and strategic thinking — these are what future employers (and promotions) look for.

• Skill development idea: Take a free online course, volunteer to lead a project, or request feedback from your manager. Explore examples of professional development goals you can start practicing today.

4. Reconnect with your “why”

The most successful professionals periodically refresh their vision. Your goals from 3 years ago may no longer fit who you are now. Why did you start this job or career path in the first place? Are those motivations still valid? Reconnecting with your purpose is crucial for reigniting your drive — or recognising it’s time for a midlife career change.

• Food for thought: If your current role no longer supports your career growth plan, it may be time to explore new promotional opportunities for career growth.
• Time to ask yourself:
  > What are my career goals now?
  > Do they still excite me?

5. Update your resume (even if you’re not actively job hunting)

Your resume isn’t just for job applications — it’s a reflection of your story. Updating it forces you to reflect on what you’ve achieved and where you’re going.

Upload your resume to Hays Thailand or explore current roles tailored to your career goals.

• Tip: Use your resume refresh as a chance to reflect on your growth and outline a personal professional development plan. And if you’re ready for a change, our Hays consultants can support you in planning your next step.

What to do next: Don’t let another left year pass you by

It’s easy to stay busy and call it progress. But real growth requires intention. So ask yourself — are you moving forward, or just moving in circles?

Now might be the right time to reframe your career growth, revisit your goals, and seek guidance through career change counselling if you’re considering changing your career in your 30s - our consultants are here to help.

> Speak to a Hays consultant to map out a career progression plan tailored to you
> Explore job opportunities aligned with your career aspirations
> Curious about your salary potential? Hays Salary Checker